Neotectonic rotations in the Calabrian Arc; implications for a Pliocene-Recent geodynamic scenario for the Central Mediterranean

DSpace/Manakin Repository

Neotectonic rotations in the Calabrian Arc; implications for a Pliocene-Recent geodynamic scenario for the Central Mediterranean

Dijk, J.P. van; Scheepers, P.J.J.

(2007) Earth-Science Reviews, volume 39, pp. 207 - 246

(Article)

Abstract

Recently, new data have been presented which imply that major block rotations took place in the Central
Mediterranean during the Pleistocene, between 1.0 and 0.7 Ma. Kinematic solutions for the spatial and temporal
distribution of rotational data in the Central Mediterranean such as oroclinal bending of the Calabrian Arc and
rotation of the ... read more Adria Plate are being discussed. Phases of neotectonic rotations appear to be confined to distinct
phases of contractions and compressive interplate stress. We present a model in which the middle Pleistocene
rotations are caused by a distribution of deformation in the Central Mediterranean through strike-slip motions along
a number of major shear zones which define a free boundary between the African and the Adria Plates. One of the
main features is the Trans-Mediterranean Mobile Zone, which separates areas with opposite rotations. The timing
of the rotations is compared to the evolution of volcanism, basin development, subsidence and uplift patterns,
contractional tectonics and seismicity patterns. From this comparison we hypothesize that the Late Pliocene-Recent
geodynamic evolution of the Central Mediterranean comprises the following three episodes: (1) A Late Pliocene arc
migration episode shows drifting of the Calabrian block and spreading of the back-arc basin without the associated
oroclinal rotations that were previously assumed in literature. (2) An Early Pleistocene contraction episode shows a
gradual increase of compressive interplate stress, and culminates in a middle Pleistocene “stress release phase”
which is associated with block rotations, transpressional tectonics and a rupturing of the subducted slab. (3) A Late
Pleistocene-Recent restabilisation episode is characterized by rapid isostatic adjustments, with extensional collapse
of the Apennine thrust-wedge and the Tyrrhenian back-arc area related to rebound of non-detached lithosphere
remnants and sinking into the mantle of the detached slab. show less